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Chris Wesseling

Waiver Wired

Weapon of Choice

The waiver wire question of the week: James Starks or Tashard Choice? Choose your weapon for the fantasy playoffs. Both backs have major question marks as well as several points in their favor.

Starks' 18 carries against the 49ers matched a Green Bay season-high, but coach Mike McCarthy is envisioning a three-headed attack with Brandon Jackson on passing downs and Dimitri Nance or John Kuhn at the goal line. Tashard Choice's 100 yards at Indy were the second-most by a Cowboys back all season (and a third of Marion Barber's total production in 11 games). His role remains uncertain, however, with Felix Jones starting and Barber getting healthy.

Starks has the matchup advantage in Week 14 at Detroit (fourth-most points to opposing backs), but Choice gets a Redskins team going through the motions in Week 15 and fantasy's friendliest defense in Week 16 at Arizona.

Choice has a demonstrated history of fantasy success as the feature back against a murder's row of defenses down the stretch in 2008. Starks has the talent to take the early-down job and run with it just as Ryan Grant did down the stretch in the 2007 season.

The likeliest scenario in Green Bay is that Starks approximates Chris Ivory's role with the Saints. He's not going to see the field in passing sets, but he is getting the rock when he's in the game. The $64,000 question: How valuable is that in fantasy terms if he ends up getting pulled for Nance or Kuhn at the goal line? I see flex value here as opposed to a reliable RB2 option.

Owner Jerry Jones suggested Sunday night that Choice doesn't have to worry about heading back to the bench after he proved once again that he's the most complete back on the roster. Given Choice's average of 106 total yards in the eight career games in which he's received at least 10 touches, I'm taking him No. 1 this week. It doesn't take an over-active imagination to picture Felix Jones going down with an injury and leaving Choice as a 20-touch RB1 option in Weeks 15 and 16.

On to the players. Here is how I rank the top players available at each position as we head into Week 14. Full writeups of each player are below.

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Editor's Note: You can get our Season Pass package at a discount rate for the fantasy playoffs. Tons of extra stat tools, projections, columns, and playoff rankings, and Chris Wesseling's Dynasty league coverage -- all for just $4.99.

Tashard Choice, Cowboys - Choice averaged 5.1 yards per carry in 2008 and 5.5 in '09. He's proven to be an asset with 10+ touches per week, but that didn't stop the Cowboys from relegating him to the bench behind a washed-up Marion Barber. Given a chance against the Colts in Week 13, Choice did what he always does: produce. With an injury-prone back in front of him and ideal matchups in Week 15 and 16, Choice is the top waiver pickup this week.

Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues

James Starks, Packers - Starks hadn't played a meaningful down in two years heading into Week 13, but that didn't stop him from dominating the workload against the 49ers. Even with Coach Mike McCarthy envisioning a three-man backfield, Starks is the best bet for carries the rest of the way. Goal-line work remains a question mark, though Starks should still be good for flex value at Detroit (fourth-most points to opposing backs) in Week 14.

Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues

Javarris James, Colts - The Colts aren't optimistic about Joseph Addai returning this week. Donald Brown and Mike Hart both sat out Monday with ankle injuries, and there's a chance that all three will be unavailable on a short week. With all three sidelined late in the game last week, James took over as the feature back down the stretch with a pair of fourth-quarter touchdowns against the Cowboys. If James handles the same role Thursday night at Tennessee, he's going to have legit RB2 value.

Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues

Anthony Dixon, 49ers - Brian Westbrook started the game in Green Bay, but Dixon saw the first carry. The two backs rotated the rest of the way, and we can expect more of the same going forward. Westbrook's value gets a spike in PPR leagues with Alex Smith regaining the starting job, but Dixon remains a better bet for touchdowns as the goal-line horse. Against a Seattle run defense that has been gashed repeatedly the past month, both backs are fine flex options in Week 14.

Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues

James Davis, Redskins - For the second straight week, Davis has come off the bench to handle the majority of the touches in relief of Keiland Williams. Would-be starter Ryan Torain (hamstring) is expected to progress to full practices this week after missing five games and suffering several setbacks. If Torain makes it through the week unscathed, this backfield has the look of a full-fledged quagmire. If not, Davis could have flex value against the Bucs in Week 14.

Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues

Bernard Scott, Bengals - Every time Scott relieves Cedric Benson for a series, Twitter goes absolutely bonkers with speculation that there's been a changing of the guard in Cincinnati. Perhaps it's with good reason, as a plodding Benson has been held under 4.0 YPC in six of the past seven games. While Scott is unquestioningly a more explosive option, the Bengals have shown no inclination to mix things up in the backfield.

Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues

Rashad Jennings, Jaguars - Maurice Jones-Drew's backup can't be counted on for weekly production, but he's scored in back-to-back games while averaging 54 yards. Jacksonville's running game is a well-oiled machine right now, so Jennings would have legit RB2 value if Jones-Drew goes down. He's a must-have handcuff considering the Jags' dream schedule throughout the fantasy playoffs.

Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues

C.J. Spiller, Bills - After three weeks of Fred Jackson's domination in the bell cow role, Spiller looked like the Bills' best offensive player at Minnesota. He's nowhere near a threat to F-Jax's starting job, but he's now a good bet for 8-10 touches in the Reggie Bush role.

Get your handcuffs here. … Those in TD-heavy leagues should note that the Bucs are toying with the idea of using Graham at the goal-line. This after he didn't receive a single carry in Week 13. … Sutton could see a third-down role if Mike Goodson (shoulder) ends up missing this week's game.

Editor's Note:On the outside looking in for the fantasy playoffs? You can get a new team via SnapDraft right now.

The waiver wire question of the week: James Starks or Tashard Choice? Choose your weapon for the fantasy playoffs. Both backs have major question marks as well as several points in their favor.

Starks' 18 carries against the 49ers matched a Green Bay season-high, but coach Mike McCarthy is envisioning a three-headed attack with Brandon Jackson on passing downs and Dimitri Nance or John Kuhn at the goal line. Tashard Choice's 100 yards at Indy were the second-most by a Cowboys back all season (and a third of Marion Barber's total production in 11 games). His role remains uncertain, however, with Felix Jones starting and Barber getting healthy.

Starks has the matchup advantage in Week 14 at Detroit (fourth-most points to opposing backs), but Choice gets a Redskins team going through the motions in Week 15 and fantasy's friendliest defense in Week 16 at Arizona.

Choice has a demonstrated history of fantasy success as the feature back against a murder's row of defenses down the stretch in 2008. Starks has the talent to take the early-down job and run with it just as Ryan Grant did down the stretch in the 2007 season.

The likeliest scenario in Green Bay is that Starks approximates Chris Ivory's role with the Saints. He's not going to see the field in passing sets, but he is getting the rock when he's in the game. The $64,000 question: How valuable is that in fantasy terms if he ends up getting pulled for Nance or Kuhn at the goal line? I see flex value here as opposed to a reliable RB2 option.

Owner Jerry Jones suggested Sunday night that Choice doesn't have to worry about heading back to the bench after he proved once again that he's the most complete back on the roster. Given Choice's average of 106 total yards in the eight career games in which he's received at least 10 touches, I'm taking him No. 1 this week. It doesn't take an over-active imagination to picture Felix Jones going down with an injury and leaving Choice as a 20-touch RB1 option in Weeks 15 and 16.

On to the players. Here is how I rank the top players available at each position as we head into Week 14. Full writeups of each player are below.

***

Editor's Note: You can get our Season Pass package at a discount rate for the fantasy playoffs. Tons of extra stat tools, projections, columns, and playoff rankings, and Chris Wesseling's Dynasty league coverage -- all for just $4.99.

Tashard Choice, Cowboys - Choice averaged 5.1 yards per carry in 2008 and 5.5 in '09. He's proven to be an asset with 10+ touches per week, but that didn't stop the Cowboys from relegating him to the bench behind a washed-up Marion Barber. Given a chance against the Colts in Week 13, Choice did what he always does: produce. With an injury-prone back in front of him and ideal matchups in Week 15 and 16, Choice is the top waiver pickup this week.

Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues

James Starks, Packers - Starks hadn't played a meaningful down in two years heading into Week 13, but that didn't stop him from dominating the workload against the 49ers. Even with Coach Mike McCarthy envisioning a three-man backfield, Starks is the best bet for carries the rest of the way. Goal-line work remains a question mark, though Starks should still be good for flex value at Detroit (fourth-most points to opposing backs) in Week 14.

Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues

Javarris James, Colts - The Colts aren't optimistic about Joseph Addai returning this week. Donald Brown and Mike Hart both sat out Monday with ankle injuries, and there's a chance that all three will be unavailable on a short week. With all three sidelined late in the game last week, James took over as the feature back down the stretch with a pair of fourth-quarter touchdowns against the Cowboys. If James handles the same role Thursday night at Tennessee, he's going to have legit RB2 value.

Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues

Anthony Dixon, 49ers - Brian Westbrook started the game in Green Bay, but Dixon saw the first carry. The two backs rotated the rest of the way, and we can expect more of the same going forward. Westbrook's value gets a spike in PPR leagues with Alex Smith regaining the starting job, but Dixon remains a better bet for touchdowns as the goal-line horse. Against a Seattle run defense that has been gashed repeatedly the past month, both backs are fine flex options in Week 14.

Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues

James Davis, Redskins - For the second straight week, Davis has come off the bench to handle the majority of the touches in relief of Keiland Williams. Would-be starter Ryan Torain (hamstring) is expected to progress to full practices this week after missing five games and suffering several setbacks. If Torain makes it through the week unscathed, this backfield has the look of a full-fledged quagmire. If not, Davis could have flex value against the Bucs in Week 14.

Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues

Bernard Scott, Bengals - Every time Scott relieves Cedric Benson for a series, Twitter goes absolutely bonkers with speculation that there's been a changing of the guard in Cincinnati. Perhaps it's with good reason, as a plodding Benson has been held under 4.0 YPC in six of the past seven games. While Scott is unquestioningly a more explosive option, the Bengals have shown no inclination to mix things up in the backfield.

Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues

Rashad Jennings, Jaguars - Maurice Jones-Drew's backup can't be counted on for weekly production, but he's scored in back-to-back games while averaging 54 yards. Jacksonville's running game is a well-oiled machine right now, so Jennings would have legit RB2 value if Jones-Drew goes down. He's a must-have handcuff considering the Jags' dream schedule throughout the fantasy playoffs.

Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues

C.J. Spiller, Bills - After three weeks of Fred Jackson's domination in the bell cow role, Spiller looked like the Bills' best offensive player at Minnesota. He's nowhere near a threat to F-Jax's starting job, but he's now a good bet for 8-10 touches in the Reggie Bush role.

Get your handcuffs here. … Those in TD-heavy leagues should note that the Bucs are toying with the idea of using Graham at the goal-line. This after he didn't receive a single carry in Week 13. … Sutton could see a third-down role if Mike Goodson (shoulder) ends up missing this week's game.

Editor's Note:On the outside looking in for the fantasy playoffs? You can get a new team via SnapDraft right now.

Wide Receivers

Earl Bennett, Bears - The Vanderbilt connection is paying off with Bennett emerging as Jay Cutler's favorite target the past two weeks. Starting in place of Devin Hester for the first time all year, Bennett racked up career-highs in receptions (7) and yards (104) one week after his first career two-TD performance. He's flirting with legit WR3 value in Week 14 against a Patriots secondary that allows the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers.

Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues

Jacoby Ford, Raiders - Darrius Heyward-Bey didn't see a single target against the Chargers, and he hasn't caught a pass since October. Whether or not it's official, Ford has bypassed him in the wide receiver pecking order. Easily the Raiders' most dynamic talent in the passing game, Ford makes for a high-risk, high-reward WR3 option against the soft secondaries of the Jaguars and Broncos the next two weeks.

Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues

Robert Meachem, Saints - There's no question that all Saints receivers save Marques Colston want for consistency, but Meachem has at least proven that he can contribute WR2 value if the hot streak strikes. While I'd like to see a spike in targets, Meachem has produced either 50+ yards or a score in six of the past eight weeks. He's a better fantasy play than Lance Moore, who is owned in far more leagues.

Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues

Ben Obomanu, Seahawks - Obomanu's fantasy viability is touch-and-go this week. He's only a WR3 option if Mike Williams (ankle) ends up sitting out -- which is entirely possible. With an injury that sounds like a nasty cut to the webbing of his fingers, Obomanu is questionable to play this week himself. Pick him up if you have the roster space, but know that he's far from a guaranteed fantasy play at San Francisco.

Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues

Danario Alexander, Rams - DX fell flat with just two receptions for 20 yards on seven targets against the Cardinals, but he remains the receiver to own in St. Louis. His role is increasing by the week, and he's still one of the most dangerous per-play receivers in the NFL. Keep him stashed in advance of that breakout game.

Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues

Roy Williams, Cowboys - With Dez Bryant out for the season, Williams has a chance to resurrect the old Lions connection with Jon Kitna over the final month. Looking below the surface, an Eagles defense that allows the 18th-most points to opposing receivers has also surrendered a whopping 19 receiving TDs in the last seven games. Williams won't be a top-30 option this week, but he's worth a look for those owners nursing injuries at the position.

Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues

Anthony Armstrong, Redskins - Armstrong is coming off career-highs in receptions (6) and yards (97) against the Giants, so there's definitely a point-chasing factor to consider here. He was targeted 10 times, though, with Santana Moss slowed by a hamstring injury. With shutdown corner Aqib Talib out for the Bucs, Armstrong is worth a look in the deep threat role as a desperation WR3 option this week.

Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues

Seyi Ajirotutu, Chargers - Legedu Naanee (hamstring) is a longshot to play this week, and coach Norv Turner said Monday that it's "too early to know" whether Vincent Jackson (calf) will be available against the Chiefs. If Tutu ends up starting opposite Malcom Floyd, he's worth a look in deeper leagues as a WR3 option.

Recommendation: Worth a look in deeper leagues

Mohamed Massaquoi, Browns - His value hinges on Jake Delhomme remaining the starter. Massaquoi has three straight games with at least four receptions and 50 yards, topping out at 81 yards in Week 13. If Delhomme stays under center this week, Massaquoi is a desperation WR3 at Buffalo.

Tate and Butler could end up starting at San Fran if Mike Williams (ankle) and Ben Obomanu (hand) sit out. … Gibson is good for four catches and 50 yards a week, but Alexander offers higher upside. … Schilens is unlikely to contribute down the stretch.

Henderson and Royal were one-week wonders. … Hartline is banged up and losing value with Brandon Marshall returning. … Robiskie lacks any semblance of play-making ability. … Naanee re-injured his hamstring.

Owen Daniels, Texans - Fully expected to return this week after missing a month with a hamstring injury, Daniels isn't going to be a TE1 option against a Ravens defense giving up just the 31st-most points to opposing tight ends. Looking ahead, though, Daniels has matchups against the Titans, Broncos, and Jags -- all at the bottom of the barrel in defense against tight ends. Considering Joel Dreessen's production of late, a more talented Daniels has top-six potential in Weeks 15-17.

Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues

Ed Dickson, Ravens - Meet your sleeper tight end of the week. Todd Heap (hamstring) is an extreme longshot to suit up Monday night, leaving Dickson as the starter against a Texans defense surrendering the most fantasy points to opposing tight ends. Dickson's seven targets in relief of Heap were second-most on the Ravens, and he would have racked up another 25 yards or so had he not dropped a ball right on his hands. The athletic rookie is going to be a top-12 fantasy option in Week 14.

Recommendation: Worth a look as a matchup play

Ben Watson, Browns - With pocket-passer Jake Delhomme back under center, Watson exploded for 10 receptions, 100 yards, and a TD at Miami in Week 13. As inconsistent as he's been in the Browns' run-first offense, Watson is still a top-10 tight end this year. The matchup is right this week against a Bills defense that allows the second-most points to opposing tight ends.

Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues

Jimmy Graham, Saints - After matching his season-high with 72 yards last week, Graham now has at least three receptions in every game over the past five weeks and at least 49 yards in three of the past four. In fact, the freakishly athletic rookie has already been a top-10 fantasy tight end over the past month. Now a better fantasy option than Jeremy Shockey, Graham should be stashed in all leagues as a TE2 with immense upside in the Saints' pass-heavy offense.

Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues

Tony Moeaki, Chiefs - Moeaki led the Chiefs with seven targets, four receptions, and 54 yards against the Broncos in Week 13. He's a viable TE2 option this week at a San Diego defense that allows the 10th-most fantasy points to opposing tight ends.

The last time Fasano made waiver news with a big game, he responded with a one-catch performance. He's as unreliable as fantasy options come. … Morrah is an interesting receiving project for the Seahawks, but John Carlson will likely be back this week.

Heap won't play in Week 14, and he may not be useful again for the rest of the regular season. … Owen Daniels' return leaves Dreessen without value. … Shockey's role has diminished with Graham's emergence. … Olsen isn't targeted consistently enough.

Quarterbacks

Jason Campbell, Raiders - Campbell attributes his Week 13 success to channeling Auburn QB Cam Newton's success as an aggressive runner in the pocket. No longer looking over his shoulder at Bruce Gradkowski, Campbell played his best all-around game of the season, passing for one score and running for another against the league's best defense. The schedule is his friend in Weeks 14 and 15 with games at Jacksonville (fifth-most points to opposing QBs) and home to Denver (second-most).

Recommendation: Worth a look in 14-team leagues

Alex Smith, 49ers - Squarely on the hot seat in the final month of the season, Mike Singelary has opted to bench Troy Smith in favor of Alex Smith. It's only fair, as Singletary made the head-scratching mistake of sticking with Alex throughout the offseason. Unlike the rest of the unappetizing options on the wire, Alex at least has a nice matchup against the Seahawks (eight-most fantasy points to opposing QBs) and red-zone weapons in Vernon Davis and Michael Crabtree.

Drew Stanton, Lions - Considering he was pulled for Daunte Culpepper in his only previous start, Stanton far outpaced expectations last week against a tough Bears defense. He's never going to be a great bet to pile up huge yardage numbers, especially against a Packers defense that allows just the 27th-most fantasy points to opposing QBs. He has shown, however, that he can find Calvin Johnson and make plays with his feet. Stanton is only an option in two-quarterback leagues this week.

Recommendation: Worth a look in two-quarterback leagues

John Skelton, Cardinals - Coach Ken Whisenhunt insists that the raw, strong-armed rookie is "by no means" ready for action, but desperate times call for desperate measures. Skelton went 3-of-6 for 45 yards against the Rams in relief, hitting Steve Breason and Larry Fitzgerald for 22 and 19 yards on his first two attempts. He couldn't ask for a better matchup in his first home start. The Broncos allow the second-most fantasy points to opposing QBs.

Recommendation: Worth a look in two-quarterback leagues

Chad Henne, Dolphins - As expected, bad Henne showed up last week after good Henne directed a masterful win at Oakland in Week 12. Henne did drop 363 yards and two TDs on the Jets back in Week 3, but his confidence is on the wane this time around. Henne is only a desperation play against Jets defense looking to take out its frustration after a Monday night butt whopping in Foxboro.

Recommendation: Worth a look in two-quarterback leagues

Kerry Collins, Titans - Collins face-planted in a plus matchup against the Jags, so it's going to be hard to trust him Thursday night versus the Colts. If you're looking for a reason for optimism, though, No. 1 receiver Kenny Britt is due back this week. At the very least, the Titans should come through with their first offensive score in a month.

Brett Favre is indestructible, and the Vikings front office has promised that he will remain the starter as long as he can suit up. Don't expect Jackson to unseat him. … McCoy could be back in the next week or two. … Week 16 or 17 is more realistic for Hill.

Falcons - Though the Panthers running game is starting to come alive, Atlanta's defense is good enough to shut down a one-dimensional offense. Jimmy Clausen threw a pick-six last week at Seattle, and he remains a good bet for a major gaffe at least once per game.

Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues.

Broncos - The Broncos have a swiss cheese defense, but they do have two factors working in their favor. The move to an interim coach often provides an immediate spark, and the matchup doesn't get better with rookie John Skelton expected to make his first NFL start.

Recommendation: Worth a look as a matchup play

Browns - Cleveland's defense boasts eight interceptions and eight sacks in the last three games with rookie Joe Haden emerging as one of the top playmaking corners in the game. The Bills' offensive line fell apart in Week 13 with another round of injuries forcing even more re-tooling up front.

Chris Wesseling is a senior football editor and Dynasty league analyst for Rotoworld.com. The 2011 NFL season marks his fifth year with Rotoworld and his third year contributing to NBCSports.com. He can be found on Twitter @ChrisWesseling.Email :Chris Wesseling